Newton Ofioritse Jemide, a 47-year-old Nigerian national, has pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in a federal court. Jemide was extradited from France and admitted his involvement in a scheme that fraudulently obtained federal benefits.
Kelly O. Hayes, United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea alongside Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); Acting Special Agent in Charge Colleen Lawlor from the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Inspector General – Philadelphia Field Division; and Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool from the U.S. Secret Service – Washington Field Office.
“Mr. Jemide and his co-conspirators’ greed and utter disregard for the suffering of those who need national emergency assistance, by stealing from the government, will not be tolerated,” stated United States Attorney Hayes. “The District of Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners will continue to hold those accountable who try to defraud our government through fraud, waste, and abuse during times of crisis.”
Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari remarked on the significance of this case: “Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals who defraud the federal government for their own personal gain will be identified and held accountable.” He also expressed gratitude for ongoing partnerships with law enforcement agencies.
Jemide's fraudulent activities took place during 2016 and 2017 when he coordinated with others in Nigeria to direct co-conspirators in the United States to purchase Green Dot Debit Cards. These cards were registered using stolen identities from victims across America. The conspirators used encrypted messaging applications to communicate.
In 2017, following several natural disasters including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and California wildfires, Jemide used stolen information to apply online for FEMA benefits. The Federal Emergency Management Agency dispersed $500 per claim onto these debit cards totaling at least $8 million.
SAC McCool emphasized the importance of bringing such criminals to justice: “Bringing these criminals to justice prevents further victimization of American taxpayers and abuse of programs put in place as safety nets for the most vulnerable in our country.”
The investigation revealed that false claims were also submitted for Social Security benefits and IRS tax refunds using stolen identities. Acting SAC Lawlor stated: “Newton Ofioritse Jemide and his co-conspirators misused Social Security numbers to steal government funds via SSA’s online services.”
Jemide faces up to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for July 1, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Deborah K. Chasanow.
United States Attorney Hayes commended DHS-OIG, SSA-OIG, USSS for their investigative work and thanked other agencies involved in securing Jemide's extradition.
For more details about resources available through the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office visit www.justice.gov/usao-md or https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.